Media Alert: October 17, 2019
Regional Councillor Rowena Santos crowned “Hopscotch for Health” champion
BRAMPTON, ON (Oct. 17, 2019) – With a finishing time of 26 seconds, Region of Peel Councillor, Rowena Santos, beat out her competitors to earn first place in the Region of Peel – Public Health Hopscotch for Health challenge this morning. The challenge took place at the Walk-friendly neighbourhood exhibit at the Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA) where hopscotch symbolizes how environmental design can inspire physical activity.
The Hopscotch for Health challenge was a friendly competition among Regional Councillors, community leaders and Region of Peel staff in support of healthy, complete community planning.
“By planning in healthy ways, we can encourage a lot more activity in the City of Brampton and Region of Peel”, said Councillor Santos.
Across Canada, most adults and children don’t achieve even the minimum levels of recommended physical activity, which contributes to rising rates of largely preventable chronic diseases. Today in Peel, almost half of all residents over the age of 12 have at least one chronic disease while one in every six has diabetes – a rate that is 40% higher than the Ontario average.
“Today’s hopscotch match is a statement of our collective commitment to work together to make Peel communities healthier places to live,” said Dr. Jessica Hopkins, Medical Officer of Health for the Region of Peel. “Community design impacts how people eat and move. Innovative planning is needed to support better health outcomes for our citizens.”
To learn more, visit peelregion.ca/healthy-communities.
Media Contacts
Lesley HudsonMarketing and Communications Specialist
Region of Peel
905-791-7800 ext. 4478
About Peel Region
In 2024, Peel Region marks its 50th anniversary. Peel Region works with residents and partners to create a healthy, safe, and connected Community for Life for approximately 1.5 million people and over 200,000 businesses in Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon. Peel's services touch the lives of residents every day. For more information explore peelregion.ca and follow us on X @regionofpeel and Instagram @peelregion.ca.
On December 13, 2023, the Ontario government announced that Peel Region will not be dissolved, and that Bill 112 legislation will be updated to reflect service delivery in Peel. Services for residents and businesses will continue without interruption. For updates and more information, visit Peel's transition page.
